The current generations of the Lyatt family have inherited a surname that was first used hundreds of years ago by descendants of the ancient Scottish tribe called the Picts. The Lyatt family lived in Liddesdale and Teviotdale where the family has a long and distinguished history dating back to the early Middle Ages. The name is actually derived from the Old English personal nameElwald or Aelfwald, but this name is now all but extinct as a personal name.

Lyatt Early Origins

The surname Lyatt was first found in Liddesdale, and Teviotdale. Although originally from Elliott, a village near Forfar, this Clan was persuaded by the Douglases to move south to help defend the border in 1396. There they became one of the most influential clans. Some of the notable personalities were "Archie Fire the Braes," "Hob of the Park," "Little Jock of the Park," "Jock Half Lugs," "Jock A'God's Name," "Gibbe Wi' the Gowden Gartens."

Lyatt Spelling Variations

Lyatt Spelling Variations

Scribes in the Middle Ages did not have access to a set of spelling rules. They spelled according to sound, the result was a great number of spelling variations. In various documents, Lyatt has been spelled Elliott, Elliot, Eliot, Eliott, Ellegett, Ellegot, Ellecot, Ellacott, Ellacot, Ellgate, Ellett, Ellit and many more.

Lyatt Early History

Lyatt Early History

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lyatt research. Another 281 words (20 lines of text) covering the years 1499, 1546, 1898, 1592, 1632, 1636, 1668, 1604, 1690, 1612, 1685, 1640, 1665, 1714, 1700, 1670, 1797 and are included under the topic Early Lyatt History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Lyatt Early Notables (pre 1700)

Lyatt Early Notables (pre 1700)

Notable amongst the Clan at this time was Sir John Eliot (1592-1632), an English statesman who was serially imprisoned in the Tower of London by King Charles I for advocating the rights and privileges of Parliament; George Elliott ( ca. 1636-1668), English surgeon to the Earl of Teviot's Regiment; John Eliot (c...

Another 76 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Lyatt Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Lyatt In Ireland

Lyatt In Ireland

Some of the Lyatt family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Another 149 words (11 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

The Great Migration

The Great Migration

The cruelties suffered under the new government forced many to leave their ancient homeland for the freedom of the North American colonies. Those who arrived safely found land, freedom, and opportunity for the taking. These hardy settlers gave their strength and perseverance to the young nations that would become the United States and Canada. Immigration and passenger lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the name Lyatt: Lewis Ellett who settled in Virginia in 1721; Margeret Ellgate settled in Barbados in 1635; Michael Elligot settled in Quebec in 1825; George, Hugh, Joseph, Robert, and Thomas Elliott settled in Philadelphia between 1800 and 1840.

Motto

Motto

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Colletta, John P. They Came In Ships. Salt Lake City: Ancestry, 1993. Print.

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The Lyatt Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The Lyatt Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.